Michael Appleton has ruled himself out of a quick return to Oxford United - but admitted there was a chance of going back some time in the future.

The former U's boss, who quit the club in the summer to join Premier League Leicester City as their No 2, was installed as the favourite with bookmakers for a sensational return to replace Pep Clotet following the Spaniard's departure as Oxford manager on Monday.

But appearing on Sky's 'The Debate', Appleton said he was happy in his role as assistant to Claude Puel and did not feel coming back to the Kassam Stadium now would be the right move at this time in his career.

"I think I made it clear when I left Oxford eight months or so ago," he said.

"I had been given the opportunity to work in the Premier League which is difficult to get these days as a young English coach.

"I had three fantastic years there, had great support from all the players I had with me at the time, the staff are fantastic - I know it's easy to say but I genuinely mean that and they know I mean it - the fans were fantastic with me and I had a good relationship with the chairman and owner Darryl Eales.

"I am sure that will continue.

"Never say never in the future, but at this moment in time I am in a really good place."

Appleton joined Leicester to work alongside long-time friend Craig Shakespeare.

But although Shakespeare was sacked earlier this season, Appleton has played a pivotal role with Puel in helping Leicester climb the Premier League table.

"It's very hard not to enjoy it when you find yourself in a lofty position of seventh in the Premier League," he said.

"It's almost like two leagues with the top-six and then the rest fighting to make sure they get their Premier League status.

"I think the most enjoyable part of it is that you learn things from all managers and coaches, but he (Puel) has a clear philosophy and he will not go away from it.

"He will not have anyone try to do something different. Sometimes a manager coming from a foreign country to England if it's not quite going for you or a couple of results go against you, there's that 'can I change it, should I change it', but he says 'no, that's what it's about', and that's very refreshing."